In some cases, the isotopes eject particles, primarily neutrons and protons.

(These are the moving particles measured by Geiger counters and the like.) The end result is a stable atom, but of a different chemical element (not carbon) because the atom now has a different number of protons and electrons.

Actually, it isn’t really a decay process in the normal sense of the word, like the decay of fruit.

Most people think that radioactive dating has proven the earth is billions of years old.

Orbiting around the nucleus are electrons (tiny particles each with a single negative electric charge).

The atoms of each element may vary slightly in the numbers of neutrons within their nuclei.

Each atom is thought to be made up of three basic parts.

The nucleus contains protons (tiny particles each with a single positive electric charge) and neutrons (particles without any electric charge).